A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, identified as Magdalena Jablonska, was killed on Saturday when a boat allegedly operated by a man with a history of driving under the influence crashed into hers on the Fox River in McHenry, Illinois. Jablonska, 48, died instantly, according to the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.
Richard Stevenson, 45, was arrested after his 31-foot pontoon boat allegedly overtook and collided with Jablonska's 20-foot vessel. Prosecutors stated that Stevenson's boat was traveling at approximately 80 mph when it struck the rear of Jablonska's boat, causing her to be decapitated. Her remains were reportedly still missing as of Monday.
Stevenson, who had a blood alcohol level of 0.20, which is 2.5 times the legal limit, has been charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death and one count of reckless homicide. He has prior offenses including three DUIs, three instances of reckless driving, and four misdemeanor speeding violations.
"This man was a ticking time bomb and that bomb went off this past Saturday on the Fox River," Deputy Chief Brian Miller stated at Stevenson's detention hearing.
Jablonska, who emigrated from Poland as a child and served in the Marines after high school, is remembered by her siblings as a selfless individual who was passionate about helping others and animals. Her brother launched a GoFundMe in her name to support a local animal shelter.
"She would go above and beyond for anyone, there was no one like her, the most selfless and kind person you would ever meet," her sister Michelle Macias told NBC Chicago. "She's never done anything for herself, always for everybody else."
The fatal crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. According to surveillance footage, Stevenson's boat was seen moving at high speeds on the river approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes before the collision. Stevenson's boat eventually washed ashore, where he was found by a witness. Two other passengers on Stevenson's boat, who reportedly stated that Stevenson had consumed multiple shots of Fireball whiskey that day, fled the scene but were later interviewed by police.
Jablonska's husband was also aboard her vessel and was taken to the hospital, with his condition reportedly unclear. Her family has expressed hope that Stevenson will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
"Our rivers and lakes should be places where families can safely enjoy time together, not places where the reckless and impaired can turn a summer day into a tragedy," said State's Attorney Randi L. Freese. "No family should have to endure the unimaginable loss suffered in this case. Our prayers go out to the victim’s family, and while nothing can undo the tragedy that occurred on the Fox River, our office is committed to pursuing justice for her, her loved ones, and our community."